Mac DeMarco has always had a knack for capturing a specific kind of laid-back melancholy, and his latest single, ‘Phantom,’ is no exception. Serving as the final teaser for his upcoming album, 'Guitar', the track arrives ahead of its release this Friday via Mac’s Record Label. It’s a beautifully stripped-back and deeply personal piece that showcases DeMarco’s songwriting prowess in its most raw form.
Following the “absolutely mesmerising” (The Needle Drop) 'Holy' and the heartfelt 'Home,' 'Phantom' feels like a quiet, contemplative conclusion. The song is a gentle, melancholic number that finds DeMarco grappling with loss. The lyrics are both poetic and direct, painting a picture of someone haunted by a memory. In the opening lines, he sings, "Sure, I’d give it up // Just for one more chance to say goodnight // Oh, my love, was it real or just fantasy? // Your phantom sits with me." It’s a sentiment that many can relate to—the persistent echo of a past love or a lost moment that lingers long after it’s gone.
The album, 'Guitar', was a truly solitary creation. DeMarco wrote and recorded the entire project in November 2024 at his Los Angeles home. Aside from the mastering, which was handled by David Ives, DeMarco took on all aspects of the record himself, from mixing the tracks in Canada to shooting the artwork with his own tripod. This hands-on approach has resulted in a work that feels incredibly intimate and authentic. As DeMarco himself explains, "I think 'Guitar' is as close to a true representation of where I’m at in my life today as I can manage to put to paper. I’m happy to share this music, and look forward to playing these songs as many places as I’m able."
Fans will get their chance to hear these new songs live soon enough, as DeMarco is set to embark on a worldwide tour later this month. He'll be kicking things off with three sold-out shows at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Joining him on the road will be fellow Mac’s Record Label artists Mock Media, Tex Crick, Daryl Johns, and Vicky Farewell, promising a tour full of fantastic, complementary sounds. 'Phantom' is a perfect final taste of what’s to come—a quiet storm of emotion that signals a new, reflective era for the beloved artist.
For more from Mac DeMarco on the run up to 'Guitar', be sure to follow him today on Instagram and Facebook.
